Operational Excellence Manager

Kepak Group; Merthyr Tydfil; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in the UK is seeking an Operations Excellence Manager to enhance operational efficiency and implement a comprehensive OpEx programme. The ideal candidate will have a relevant bachelor's degree, a Lean Manufacturing Black Belt certification, and substantial experience in food manufacturing. This position offers competitive benefits including annual leave, employee discounts, and ongoing training and development.

Benefits

31 days annual leave

Employee Discount platform

FREE access to Employee Assistance Program

Pension plan

Death in Service benefit

Christmas hamper

Earn up to £500 with refer a friend scheme

On-site parking

Cycle to work scheme

Subsidised Canteen

Free Lunch Once a Month

Free hot drinks all day

Employee engagement activities

Long Service Awards

Ongoing Training and Development

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior operations role in food manufacturing.
• Lean Manufacturing Black Belt certification is essential.
• In depth knowledge of Operational Excellence tools and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Op Ex programme for the Retail Manufacturing operation.
• Develop and implement an Op Ex programme with site management.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Operational Excellence

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Financial Acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or Industrial Management

Tools

Project management software

Digital tools for process mapping

Job description

Kepak is a leading food company with 14 manufacturing sites and over 4,500 employees across Ireland and the UK, with a turnover of €1.75 billion. The Group operates across three divisions: the Foods Division, Meat Division UK, and Meat Division Ireland. Guided by our values—Responsibility, Ambition, Passion for Food, and Teamwork—we are committed to operating as a successful, sustainable, future‑ready business that is a great place to work. We supply fresh and value‑added meat‑based products to retail and foodservice through private label and our own brands, including Rustlers, Big Al’s and John Stone.

Kepak Meat Division UK operates across 3 manufacturing sites with 2,000 employees, producing a range of quality meat and protein‑based food products for retail and foodservice customers. The division focuses on providing exceptional service and value to our stakeholders.

Role Overview

Support the Retail Operations department in the creation of a more efficient, cost‑effective and high‑quality production environment through the creation, implementation and delivery of an Operational Excellence Programme utilising appropriate OpEx methodologies, tools and techniques (Lean Six Sigma, RCA, 6S, Value Stream Mapping etc).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Op Ex programme for the Retail Manufacturing operation, working with site management teams to identify areas for improvement, agree priorities and develop an improvement programme to enhance operational efficiency and minimise waste.
• In conjunction with the site management team develop and implement an Op Ex programme to oversee all Op Ex projects from implementation to completion ensuring cross‑functional alignment and alignment with business objectives.
• Utilise appropriate lean manufacturing tools and methodologies including cost reduction initiatives and root cause analysis.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and impact of operational excellence initiatives.
• Highlight risks, challenges and exceptions to management teams.
• Understand and adhere to company health and safety policies and procedures.
• Contribute to health, safety and wellbeing at the site ensuring safe working practices and supporting a positive safety culture.
• Keep up to date with and adhere to all internal business policies and procedures (IT, cybersecurity, HR).
• Ownership of Op Ex budget, reporting and delivery.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and development including designing and executing training programs for staff on operational excellence principles and best practices.
• Work closely with various departments to identify and address process bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• Facilitate workshops as required to review processes and generate ideas for improvement.
• Work closely with central project management office to establish project frameworks and reporting requirements and set up for success.
• Facilitate the introduction and establishment of quality improvement programs to ensure product consistency, safety and customer satisfaction.
• Understands customer needs and market dynamics and focuses on delivering an operational excellence programme that enhances Kepak status as a best in class, cost competitive supplier.
• Be the expert in operational excellence tools and methodologies and enhance Kepak reputation as a best‑in‑class supplier of retail manufactured products.
• Research and implement new technologies or methodologies to further enhance operational efficiency.
• Actively seeks to develop industry knowledge and awareness including sustainability awareness and understanding Kepak sustainability goals and commitments.
• Understands competitive forces in the market place with regard to operations processes and cost optimisation.
• Understands end to end industry supply chain processes and shares insights with wider teams to promote operational and supply chain excellence.

Role Requirements

• Bachelor's degree / Level 8 qualification in Business Administration, Engineering, Industrial Management or related field.
• Proven experience in a senior operations role and/or continuous improvement role in food manufacturing.
• Lean Manufacturing Black Belt certification is essential.
• Other project management qualifications and experience advantageous.
• In depth knowledge of Op Ex tools and techniques and practical implementation experience.
• Proficiency in relevant project management software and digital tools for process mapping and optimisation.
• Financial & Commercial Acumen: Understanding of cost drivers, budgeting, and commercial levers in manufacturing.
• Analytical mindset with ability to use data driven insights to identify areas for improvement.

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (after probation).
• Employee Discount platform.
• FREE access to Employee Assistance Program (Includes Free legal advice, counselling and mental health advice and a 24 hour help and advice line).
• Pension plan.
• Death in Service benefit for all employees in the pension scheme.
• Christmas hamper.
• Earn up to £500 with our refer a friend scheme.
• On‑site parking.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Subsidised Canteen.
• Free Lunch Once a Month.
• Free hot drinks all day.
• Employee engagement activities.
• Long Service Awards.
• Ongoing Training and Development in the role.